3D Mapping
3D Point Cloud Mapping for Facades
High-density LiDAR and photogrammetric capture that creates a permanent 3D record of your building, accurate to millimetres.
Point cloud mapping creates a three-dimensional digital twin of your building facade at millimetre accuracy. We use terrestrial LiDAR scanners and close-range photogrammetry to capture the geometry of every surface, joint, panel, and fixing. The resulting point cloud serves as the spatial framework for all defect data. Instead of describing a crack as "Level 12, north elevation, third panel from left", it is pinned to its exact three-dimensional coordinate on the model.
Our scanning methodology combines terrestrial LiDAR (typically Leica RTC360 or FARO Focus) with aerial photogrammetry from drones and close-range photogrammetry from rope access. Terrestrial scans provide the primary geometric framework. Aerial capture fills in rooftop interfaces and upper parapets. Close-range photogrammetry from rope access captures fine-grained texture data at defect locations. All datasets are registered into a single unified coordinate system.
The 3D model is not just a visual tool. It is a measurement-grade dataset that engineers can extract dimensions from, calculate area quantities for repair scoping, and track geometric changes over time such as facade deflection, panel bowing, or settlement. When combined with thermal imaging overlays, the model reveals concealed moisture paths and thermal bridging patterns that are invisible to the naked eye.
Every building we inspect receives a permanent 3D model that is maintained on the Facade Inspect platform. Subsequent inspections add new data layers to the same model, creating a time-series record of building condition. This is the foundation of true condition-based maintenance rather than calendar-based inspection schedules.
Deliverables
What's Included
Methodology
Our Process
Survey Control and Planning
Survey control points are established around the building perimeter using RTK GPS or total station. These provide the geo-referenced coordinate system that all scan data is registered to. Access methodology, scanner positions, and flight plans are confirmed before mobilisation.
Data Acquisition
Terrestrial LiDAR scanners capture the building perimeter from multiple setup positions. UAV photogrammetry captures roof interfaces and upper parapets. Rope access technicians capture close-range photogrammetry at defect locations. All data is quality-checked on site before demobilisation.
Registration and Processing
Individual scan positions and photogrammetric datasets are registered into a unified point cloud using the survey control network. Noise is filtered, colour is applied from photographic data, and the final cloud is exported in standard formats (E57, LAS). Mesh models are generated for visualisation purposes.
Integration with Defect Data
The processed 3D model is loaded to the Facade Inspect platform where defect register data is spatially mapped to precise coordinates. Thermal imaging overlays are aligned to the geometry. The model becomes the interactive viewer through which all inspection findings are accessed.
Ongoing Maintenance
At each subsequent inspection, new scan data is compared against the baseline model. Changes in geometry (panel bowing, settlement, deflection) are measured and reported. New defects are added to the existing spatial framework, building a time-series record of condition evolution.
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
| Point density | 1,000 to 10,000 points per square metre (method dependent) |
| Geometric accuracy | Plus or minus 2mm at 10m range (terrestrial LiDAR) |
| Photogrammetric GSD | 1 to 5mm per pixel (close-range) |
| Output formats | E57, LAS, LAZ, OBJ mesh, Potree web viewer |
| Coordinate system | MGA2020 (GDA2020) or local site grid |
| Cloud hosting | Secure Australian data centres with role-based access |
Compliance
Australian Standards
AS/NZS 4284:2008
Testing of Building Facades
Point cloud data supports facade performance assessment by providing accurate geometric baseline for deflection and movement monitoring.
AS 1170.2:2021
Wind Actions
Accurate facade geometry from scanning enables verification of panel sizes, fixing centres, and cladding profiles against wind loading calculations.
ISO 9001:2015
Quality Management Systems
Scanning and data processing follow documented procedures under our ISO 9001 quality system for repeatability and traceability.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry?
LiDAR uses laser pulses to directly measure distance to surfaces, producing highly accurate geometric point clouds regardless of lighting conditions. Photogrammetry uses overlapping photographs processed through computer vision algorithms to reconstruct 3D geometry. LiDAR is superior for geometric accuracy and works in any light, while photogrammetry produces richer colour data and can capture fine surface texture at very close range. We combine both methods to get the strengths of each: LiDAR for the primary geometric framework, photogrammetry for detailed texture at defect locations.
How large are the 3D datasets and where are they stored?
A typical high-rise building produces 5 to 50 gigabytes of raw scan data, which processes down to a manageable model hosted on Australian cloud infrastructure. The raw point cloud data is archived for future reference, while the working model is optimised for web-based viewing through the Facade Inspect platform. All data is stored in Australian data centres compliant with ISO 27001 information security standards. Access is controlled through role-based permissions.
Can the 3D model detect facade movement over time?
Yes. When we scan the same building at multiple inspection intervals, we perform change detection analysis that identifies geometric differences between datasets. This can reveal panel bowing, facade deflection under thermal cycling, settlement, or rotation of building elements. Movements as small as 3 to 5mm can be reliably detected between scan epochs depending on the range and methodology. This is particularly valuable for buildings with suspected structural movement or post-tensioned panel systems.
Do I need a 3D scan if I only want a basic facade inspection?
A 3D scan is not mandatory for a basic inspection. Our standard inspections can be delivered with photographic documentation and plan-based defect mapping. However, the 3D model adds substantial value for buildings with complex geometry, multiple elevations, or ongoing maintenance programs. It eliminates ambiguity about defect locations, enables measurement extraction for repair scoping, and creates a permanent spatial record that subsequent inspections build upon. For buildings above 10 storeys, we strongly recommend 3D mapping as the reference framework.
Explore
Related Services
Facade Inspections
Close-range visual and physical assessment of every facade element, delivering structured condition data you can act on.
ViewPhotogrammetry
High-resolution photographic 3D reconstruction that captures surface texture, colour, and geometry at sub-millimetre detail.
ViewThermal Imaging
Non-destructive infrared assessment that reveals moisture, delamination, and thermal bridging hidden behind facade surfaces.
ViewDefect Registers
Every defect classified, costed, and prioritised into an actionable maintenance queue tied to the exact location on your building.
ViewCoverage
Available Across Australia
We deliver 3d mapping services in all major Australian cities. Select a location for city-specific information.
Sectors
Industries We Serve
Our 3d mapping services are tailored to the specific requirements of each sector.
Get started with 3d mapping
Contact our team for a scope discussion and quote. We respond within one business day.